The Intelligence from The Economist A Ron turn: DeSantis’s disastrous announcement
May 25, 2023
Idris Kaloun, a U.S. politics writer for The Economist, and Simon Wright, the publication's industry editor focused on aviation, delve into the tumultuous launch of Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign, marked by tech mishaps and a struggle for relevance against Trump. They also explore the daunting challenge airlines face in achieving net zero emissions while air travel surges. Additionally, the Hollywood writers' strike opens unexpected opportunities for UK film and TV as American productions stall.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Glitchy Launch
- Ron DeSantis announced his presidential candidacy on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk.
- Technical issues plagued the event, causing repeated crashes and a significant drop in listeners.
DeSantis's Pitch
- DeSantis aims to be a less dramatic version of Trump, embracing similar policies on issues like immigration.
- He distinguishes himself by actively engaging in the culture wars, focusing on topics like "wokeness."
Polling and Challenges
- DeSantis faces an uphill battle against Trump, trailing significantly in polls.
- Other Republican candidates pose a threat, likely attacking DeSantis to secure second place.